We've all been there -- sitting on the couch, finding a great show, and watching as many of its episodes as possible in one sitting. And a new study seems to prove it's becoming awfully commonplace.

Netflix on Friday released the results of a survey conducted on its behalf by Harris Interactive, revealing that 61 percent of 1,500 TV streamers binge-watch shows at least every few weeks. So what precisely is binge-watching? According to the poll, 73 percent of respondents say it's watching between two and six episodes of the same TV show in a single sitting.

As someone who's been a "binge watcher" on more than one occasion, I can say for sure that I sometimes feel guilt; I could be doing other things. But there's that side of me that feels just fine, thanks, with my laziness. And according to Netflix's study, I'm not alone: 73 percent of survey respondents said that they have "positive feelings towards binge watching."

Binge watching is also a social undertaking, with 51 percent of people saying that if they're going on a binge, they want someone with them.

One other interesting note: 80 percent of TV streamers say they'd rather watch a good TV show than check out what friends are up to on social networks.

About the author

Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
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